Exhibit 99.1 (a)
PRESS RELEASE
1/22/01

                             For Immediate Release
                             ---------------------

         CONVERSION RATE OF NDC CONVERTIBLE SUBORDINATED NOTES ADJUSTED

     ATLANTA, January 22, 2001--- National Data Corporation (NYSE:  NDC) today
announced that, as provided in the indenture governing its 5% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due November 1, 2003 (the "Notes"), its Board of Directors
has determined the adjusted conversion rate of the Notes reflecting the
previously announced spin-off of Global Payments Inc. to NDC's stockholders.
The new conversion rate, effective today, is 28.80 shares of NDC common stock
for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes.

     NDC will effect the spin-off by distributing 0.8 share of common stock of
Global Payments for each share of common stock of NDC held by NDC stockholders
of record at the close of business on January 19, 2001.  The distribution will
be effective at 11:59 p.m. on January 31, 2001.